Close a portion of the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River to all fishing

Action:
Close 4.5 miles of the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River to all fishing including catch and release fishing.

Effective date:
Aug. 5, 2013 through Sept. 30, 2013.

Species affected:
All game fish species.

Location:
Stillaguamish River from the Highway 530 bridge at Cicero upstream to the bridge at Oso (Oso Loop Road/221st Ave. SE).

Reason for action:
To protect summer steelhead holding in the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River below the mouth of Deer Creek. The concern is that low flows and excessively warm water temperatures will result in high handling mortality of steelhead.

Additional Information:
This fishery may reopen early if conditions improve (flows rise and water temperature cools) and the closure may be extended if conditions persist past Sept. 30, 2013.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.